As spring as sprung (and at least in Chicagoland, moved right on through to summer), the horticulturist takes a moment away from the spring craziness to daydream of shows. And here are some upcoming events both big and small to dream about. With locations such as Hawaii, New Orleans, Michigan and Baton Rouge to choose from, find one that interests you and go enjoy some local flavor. Go on, you deserve it!

This one is for you GWA members—at this event, you will have the chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at how a large farmers market works, visit three private gardens (including those of two prolific plant breeders) and take photos in the extensive perennial display gardens at Walters Gardens. Whether you’re into organic produce, rock gardening, specimen trees, plant collecting, or garden photography, there’s something for you on this tour. All stops are located within just a few square miles near the shore of Lake Michigan, so make it a weekend trip and enjoy the area’s white sand beaches, the famous Big Red lighthouse, and unique downtown boutiques while you’re in town. 

One of the private gardens you will be visiting belongs to plant breeder and grower Chris Hansen. You may know Chris’ lines of SunSparkler Sedum, Chick Charms Sempervivum, Gnome Domes Orostachys, and Winter Thriller Helleborus. He’ll also be debuting a new brand this summer, but attendees will get a sneak peek!

For more information, visit www.gardenwriters.org.

Perennial geeks unite! This meeting isn’t just for members of the PPA; it’s open to anyone who loves perennials (and who doesn’t?). This meeting is chock full of educational information, with two agenda tracks: Plant Talks and Business Talks. Tours are offered as well, including a “designer tour;” a tour to Metrolina, sponsored by BASF; retail tours and a “private gardens” tour. Truly something to fit everyone’s interest.

If you’re feeling dangerous, check out Dr. Larry Mellichamp’s presentation, entitled "Bizarre Botanicals—The Quirky and Secret Life of Plants." It's an opportunity to: “Come along and get hit with a pie while you shop, experience a pitcher plant eating a moth, learn why bees buzz, wade in water up to your @$$ to see a prostrate pitcher plant, and feel the thrill of finding little flies dead in the throat of a jack-in-the-pulpit. Get ready to take a walk on the wild side and grow plants that will spice up your life with freaky displays of sex, death, and botanical wizardry.” Sounds exciting! But maybe, bring a rain poncho and some boots. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

To register, go to http://ppa2018raleigh.com/.

Here is one that I’m trying to convince Mr. Beytes that I need to go to. The Western Region Chapter of the International Plant Propagators' Society is holding their annual meeting in beautiful Hawaii. And they have tons of things planned to see, do, and learn.

Topics of the conference will include:

• Regional Trends and Trade Throughout the Pacific Rim
• Native Plant Propagation (with a technical focus that includes Hawaiian natives)
• Propagation of Edibles (including tropical fruit)
• Micropropagation (including floral crop production)

Speakers from Hawaii, Micronesia, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, India, China, Canada, and IPPS Eastern Region will share their expertise with attendees.

And it’s not all work and no play, a tour of the Kona Brewing Company and an all-day cross-island tour are on the schedule. Tour stops include the Mauna Loa macadamia nut orchards and processing plants, the Akatsuka Orchid Gardens, and the 20 acre Nani Mau Gardens, which showcase rare palms, tropical fruit orchards, and displays of native and exotic tropicals.

For registration and information, visit  http://wna.ipps.org/events-regional. If you go, be sure to bask in the sun for me! 

For those who’d like to brush up on some of their hort knowledge, the AmericanHort Plug and Cutting Conference offers a mix of unique educational content for growers, through a variety of educational sessions focusing on plug and cutting principals.

There are three key tracks at this year's conference, and the schedule includes some Spanish-language presentations.

These tracks are: Plug & Cutting Principles, Problem Management, and Production Input. There are also sessions eligible for pesticide recertification credits, so you can learn about how to eradicate pests and be licensed to do so!

The event also has networking opportunities with colleagues and exhibitors and a tour of two diverse greenhouse locations: Metrolina Greenhouses and Rockwell Farms.

Rockwell is a member of MPS, an environmental sustainability program for greenhouse growers, and has improved their environmental footprint by monitoring and reducing their use of water, energy, fertilizers, and crop protection agents.

Metrolina is the largest single-site heated greenhouse in the United States with 162 acres under roof. In addition, they have approximately 15 acres of outdoor growing space (and still expanding). Metrolina is one of the most automated greenhouses in the country, and uses internally designed machines, like automatic plant transplanters and mechanical shipping belts.

For more information, visit www.americanhort.org/plug or contact info@americanhort.org. 

All-America Selections and National Garden Bureau will be hosting a joint summer meeting for the home garden industry. AAS judges, AAS Display Gardens, NGB members, other AAS Ambassadors, breeders, brokers, growers, retailers, media, garden writers and anyone who would like to attend to learn more about the organizations and its activities. 

The event will take place across two locations: New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The event schedule includes: 

Wednesday, October 3: A total immersion into the New Orleans culture with visits to AAS/NGB’s Display Garden and the New Orleans Botanical Garden, which will be followed by city tours concluding with a dinner with peers along Magazine Street.

Thursday, October 4: You’ll travel to Baton Rouge for a welcome from AAS Trial judges at Louisiana State University, which will include a tour of the Rural Life Museum. This museum is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting materials used in 18th and 19th century rural Louisiana life. The annual Awards Banquet will be held that evening, at the Burden Botanical Garden, an AAS Display Garden.

For more information and to sign up, go to https://all-americaselections.org/aas-meetings-events/.